How a minimalist bedroom helps you to declutter the rest of your life

Creating a minimalist bedroom is easier said than done—especially when you live in an apartment. I mean, there’s a Pilates reformer chillin’ next to my bed, a mini office set-up in the entryway, and a closet that’s overflowing with things that don’t fit anywhere else. Even though I keep things as tidy as possible, it’s always beneficial to do some rearranging, whether you live in a tiny space  or a five-bedroom house.

When you’re surrounded by clutter—even if that’s just piles of clothes or too tightly-packed furniture—you’re left feeling stressed overwhelmed—the opposite of what you want in a room that’s purpose is helping you unwind and rejuvenate.

“Sleep is one of the most important needs for well being. It’s a necessity to ensure we stay at our prime, from our immune systems, to our mental health and day to day function,” says Becky Shea of Becky Shea Designs. “The less you have in the space to distract your mind, the more you can focus on the value of sleep.”

So, what exactly should your minimalist bedroom include? “Any minimalist space includes just enough and not much more,” says Megan Hopp, creative director at The Everset. “A minimalist bedroom should have three staples no matter what: a bed, a bedside table, and a light source. The rest can be played depending on the circumstance. It should always create a place of calm, and clutter can tip those scales into chaos quite easily.”

Having the right decorating tips up your sleeve can easily turn your bedroom into a relaxing, uncluttered paradise, and these are the expert-approved tips you should know about.

Here are six minimalist bedroom decorating tips, according to the experts

1. Pick your bed first

Your bed is the most important piece of furniture in your bedroom, and that’s why Hopp says it should always come first when designing your space. “People often think they need to have every design item figured out before they commit to any furniture or decor decisions,” she says. “The opposite is true for me. Focus only on the bed of your dreams, and layer the design off of that.”

2. Lean toward a cool palette

When you’re putting together a minimalist bedroom, there’s no room for bright, blinding colors. Instead, Hopp recommends leaning toward a cool palette.

“A red bedroom may be dramatic and stylish, but in my book, it’s not going to promote the kind of soothing energy we desire from the space,” she says. “Blues, greens, and neutrals work like magic in creating that calm air. And don’t think that will make a space boring—feel free to play with patterns and textures for a layered and dimensional design.”

3. Reduce the amount of clutter on any surface area

How much is sitting on your bedside table right now? Probably more than there should be for a stress-free environment.

“The main items on your bedside table should be a glass of water, a book or magazine, and your bedside table lighting. Or, if you get a sconce, you’ll free up your table even more,” Shea says. “The less you have on the table, the more likely you are to fall back asleep if you do need to wake up for a sip of water or get up to go to the bathroom.”

4. Go for hidden storage

If you have a ton of stuff you’re not sure what to do with, it can quickly clutter up your bedroom. That’s why Hopp says it’s key to utilize hidden storage.

“Assess your storage needs, and furnish accordingly. I feel strongly that closed hidden storage is key to a calm and restful environment,” she says. “Be realistic with what needs to stay in your bedroom and make sure you have appropriate furniture for your belongings.”

5. Get an air purifier and humidifier

One thing there’s always room for in a minimalist space? An air purifier and humidifier.

“Air purifiers and humidifiers are key to a good nights rest. There are so many pollutants in our environment, and having a PECO filter—like in Molekule—can definitely help mitigate the amount of dust mites, free radicals, VOCs, and viruses,” Shea says. “Using central AC can really dry out our environments, and adding a little extra moisture to the air will make a world’s difference in how you feel when you wake up.”

6. Layer it up

You’re keeping your space as clean and simple as possible, but there’s still room to add some layers on your bed for decoration. “Always layer! Your bedding should include a fitted sheet, a top sheet, a blanket, a duvet, and a decorative throw blanket that you can use to curl up on your reading chair. It’s easy to grab and go,” Shea says.

Become a minimalist in all areas of your life—not just your bedroom. Here are 13 minimalist clothing brands you should know about, as well as minimalist running shoes you’ll actually want to lace up.